The food pantry is available for people residing in Manchester who are experiencing financial hardship.

The pantry is open for food distribution on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 12:00 p.m. through 1:00 p.m. as well as Thursdays from 6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.

The bread line is open Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 1:30 p.m. and Tuesday at 12:30 p.m. while quantities last. (No residency requirement)

Families and individuals can utilize the pantry one time per month and receive pre-packed groceries based on the number of individuals residing in the household. Choices of fresh fruits, vegetables, meats and bakery items are also available based on family size.

The bread line is open following the pantry distribution times. Clients using the pantry and others can come and get bakery and perishable items. Pantry clients may access the bread line as frequently as necessary.

First time clients

Those accessing the food pantry need to bring current photo identification, proof of their residence in Manchester, proof of income (pay stub, earnings statement or bank statement), and birth certificates or health insurance cards for any children residing in the household.

How Hunger Affects Even Those With Affordable Housing

In Manchester, affordable housing is extremely limited. According to the American Friends Service Committee, rents in the southern half of New Hampshire have increased as much as 37% over the last 5 years. Coupled with high utility rates, gasoline prices and the lack of living wage jobs; families and individuals can become “food insecure” very quickly. Food insecurity is the condition where a household has little or no money left over after paying other living expenses, to purchase food. For children living in these households it means a great disadvantage in learning. Children with poor nutrition have a more difficult time concentrating in school and are at risk for weakened immune systems. Poverty and hunger are real concerns in Manchester.

57% of students in the Manchester School District receive free or reduced-price school lunches during the school year. Some schools are in the high 80% and low 90% eligibility. Student eligibility for free or reduced-price lunch is a widely accepted alternative measure for the poverty rate since it captures the population that is economically disadvantaged.NH Dept. of Education, data from 2016-2017 school year